What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is pronounced, ‘Rose’ followed by ‘Asia’. Sounds rather like some kind of rose-based face treatment or luxurious consumable derived from the plant. In fact, what Rosacea is, is an unpleasant skin condition largely affecting the face and neck and more rarely, extending to other areas of the body.

What are the main symptoms and signs of Rosacea?

Rosacea is not a continuous affliction, it waxes and wanes ranging in intensity from mild to moderate. Rosacea symptoms generally concern the face. The skin readily flushes and blushes with the reddening remaining rather than fading. This is termed erythema. The facial skin can burn or sting in response to the application of topical products.
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Blood vessels and thread veins become pronounced and defined and pus-filled spots appear. The skin may become thickened particularly around the nasal area. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms of Rosacea. Rosacea blights all skin textures and types from dry to oily leading the skin to become dehydrated and inflamed. Raised patches named called plaques may develop.

What are the psychological effects of Rosacea?

The impact of Rosacea is pretty immense; anything affecting our faces in an adverse or negative manner will cause social stress, anxiety upsetting our emotional health. Clinicians focus on the physical manifestation of the disease inadvertently failing to address the mental health burden that this alteration in appearance can engender. Because Rosacea is a chronic malady, the psychiatric element of this disorder should be tackled as vigorously as practical treatment steps and prescribed medications which accompany the diagnosis. Changing faces is a fantastic UK site and can change your life if you are wilting under the burden of an altered image. There is a wealth of constructive advice, a complete treasure trove of information ranging from guidance produced by specially trained skin camouflage specialists to expert articles and recommendations, plus a network of relevant support who understand what you are going through.

What are the main causes of Rosacea?

Because Rosacea is not life-threatening and not as potentially life-changing as Psoriasis or Eczema, it has lacked attention as a priority amongst scientific researchers. Additionally, it can be fairly effectively controlled and so it remains a bit of a mystery as to the actual specific causation.
[RELATED]
What is well documented are the predisposing triggers of gender, ethnicity, genetic traits and environment, even alcohol and spicy foods. But this is a far cry from being able to definitively claim the identification of what causes Rosacea. It is not contagious. It is also understood that antibiotics can improve the condition so there is a school of thought which supports the view that bacteria either on the skin or in the gut plays a role.

Which famous people have Rosacea?

Take a read through the National Rosacea Society’s ‘Red Carpet Red Face’ blog which reveals some famous names such as the singer, Sam Smith and television celebrity, Lisa Faulkner.

What is the most effective treatment for Rosacea?

Diagnosis is essential before a treatment programme for Rosacea can be discussed with your healthcare professional.
Because Rosacea can wax and wane, it is vital to have your doctor on board and part of the story as there may be occasions when you need to be prescribed medication to cope with an outbreak or referral to a clinical dermatologist.

How is it best to treat Rosacea on a daily basis?

As with acne, it is imperative to keep the skin clean and moisturised but avoid the usage of harsh chemicals and over-fragranced products. Deep cleansing and moisturising need to be done with products appropriately selected for Rosacea so no soap. It is also vitally important to protect the skin from over exposure to the sun’s rays so moisturising creams and gels should contain high levels of protection.
[RELATED]
A quick Google will list pages of topical items specifically designed for Rosacea sufferers and, don’t worry, just because they are natural treatment, they don’t all smell of coal tar! Keep some anti-bacterial foaming washes and spot creams in your cupboard, these can easily be purchased as over the counter treatments.
In addition, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following remedies:
Oral antibiotics – these assist in the management of acute inflammation, popular choices are oxytetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline.
Specific scalp treatment – again this may be by mouth as it is harder to apply topical creams to the head because of the hair.
Laser treatment – quite a revolution in the management of Rosacea, using light therapy to reduce and dry up prominent blood vessels so they fade away over time. Laser offers a very low risk of damage to surrounding healthy skin tissue but it is not suitable for all types of Rosacea.
In conclusion, the best treatment when it comes to how to treat Rosacea is a package of good every day and informed skincare, prescribed topical treatment as and when required with ongoing consultant input when appropriate.

Why would essential oils have a place in the medicine cabinet for Rosacea?

Rosacea in common with other skin conditions such as acne and Psoriasis require dedicated self-help and rigorous home management. Many well-known and reputable skin brands, nevertheless contain ingredients and chemicals which inflame and irritate Rosacea.
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Essential oils offer a flexible home-based medicine for Rosacea which you can bespoke to your own unique blend and factor into your daily regimen.

What are the premier essential oils for Rosacea?

The best oils are the ones which target redness and which soothe inflammation. These can be blended in what is termed a base of carrier oil as they may be too strong to use neat. The most popular essential oils for Rosacea are Chamomile, Lavender, Coconut, Sandalwood, Rose and Tea Tree oil. A selection of these will become undisputed staples in your bathroom cabinet.

What other benefits do essential oils offer the user?

Essential oils don’t just treat the skin; they are an assault on your sense of smell and a tonic for your spirit. One of the main uses of these oils is in aromatherapy, labelled as an alternative form of natural medicine which uses oil to re-align and rebalance the mind and body. They play a prominent role in mindfulness therapies as the aromas and fragrances stimulate the part of the brain governing emotions. On a physical level, they promote circulation and lymphatic drainage and assist in overall body detox. Essential oils will not just improve your Rosacea but restore balance in your life and lift your mood.

Using Coconut oil to treat Rosacea

If you browse any skin counter in your local chemists or department store, you will notice that many of the skin preparations contain coconut oil. You might think this is because of its tropical associations or its wonderful perfume.
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In fact, coconut oil has long been used in topical skin products because of its reputation as a potent anti-inflammatory and repair agent. Not such a quantum leap, therefore, to find coconut oil right at the top of the list for Rosacea. One of the constituents of coconut oil which combats irritation is lauric acid and it is also influential in promoting antioxidant effects as well as being just a top class moisturiser.

Is tea tree oil beneficial for Rosacea?

There was a time when tea tree oil was in absolutely every lotion and potion imaginable. Tea tree oil remained at the height of fashion before the next media fuelled craze promoted Aloe Vera, Turmeric or Matcha. But it has never gone away and its benefits for skin conditions are well vaunted. Tea tree oil has no connection to the leaf plant which produces the brew that we drink. Instead, it heralds from a small tree native to Australia, Melaleuca Alternifolia. Tea tree oil for the Rosacea sufferer is most efficiently employed as a cleaning agent for skin which has undergone spot and pimple eruptions. It offers a deep clean without the use of soap which is too harsh and abrasive. Tea tree oil needs to be diluted before use.

Recipes for essential oils

There is tons of advice online about combining the oils of your choice including ratios and frequency of use. Most oil blends are applied two or three times a week rather than every day. Remember, just because essential oils are natural, it doesn’t indicate that they are weak. Some oils are pretty strong so don’t forget the old adage that less is definitely more when it comes to mixing oils.

Is it possible to purchase prepared creams for Rosacea?

Our editor’s top picks are from Zenmed who produce a luxurious cream wash guaranteed not to contain any parabens (synthetic chemicals) or petrochemicals.
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There are also targeted moisturising face creams for Rosacea which you can alternate with essential oils. Dermalex Rosacea Treatment cream has rave reviews on Rosacea forums, the best place to go to find impartial commentary about what really works.

Are skin lotions helpful for Rosacea?

It depends what’s in them. Avoid anything astringent or alcohol based. It’s easy to get caught out when removing cosmetics as many brands will fall foul of this rule.

Antibiotics and prescribed medication

Some Rosacea seems to accelerate and flare up at which point medical intervention may be necessary. If the disorder is not kept under control, it just gets worse so it may be necessary to bring in the big guns from time to time if kitchen table remedies are not cutting it. Most oral antibiotic and even steroid involvement is only short term. Antibiotics have demonstrated good results on reducing inflammation and lowering levels of bacteria.

Natural remedies for Rosacea

Many people feel, particularly with an illness or disorder that endures, that lifestyle changes and sympathetic natural therapies offer a more sustainable and holistic way to get rid of it.
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There seems something damaging and counterintuitive about using medicinal products which perhaps carry side effects more deadly on an ongoing basis than the malaise they aim to remove. Take a look at some of our natural remedies and suggestions for Rosacea, all founded on user experience. This is a really useful blog for further information with some interesting tips and advice.

How to get rid of Rosacea

The optimum way to truly eliminate Rosacea is to study how it performs and behaves, engage with it. Learn the premier regimen to counter it. Identify the most suitable products and what the trigger points are. Feel confident when tackling your skin on a daily basis, that what you are doing is thoroughly researched and supportive, not just a shot in the dark. How to get rid of Rosacea means engaging with the disease, accepting the diagnosis of a visible condition that will live with you forever; some people remain in denial as this is a challenging, psychological mountain top.
There are four loosely defined categories of Rosacea; to get rid of Rosacea naturally is probably only relevant to the first two milder classifications. Type One is confined to puffiness and reddening of the skin and Type Two goes a little further with spot outbreaks similar to acne. Groups Three and Four which incorporate fluid retention and in the latter, eye problems require professional medical intervention.

Home remedies for Rosacea

This isn’t just about raiding the cupboard and blending your own cosmetics, home remedies for Rosacea are all about healthy lifestyle choices. If we are what we eat then review your diet. No-one surviving on a menu of take outs, fast food and junk meals is going to have great skin whether they have been diagnosed with Rosacea or not. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre, avoid sugar which is a well known inflammatory ingredient and hydrogenated oils. Your skin will love you back and you will feel great both inside and outside. Include aloe vera water in your food choices, I bet you didn’t realise you could drink this! Made from the plant leaf, it has already hit the headlines, touted as a wonder potion for acne. Next, check out the contents of your bathroom cabinet.
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Many standard proprietary supermarket and drug store skin care products are packed full of ingredients which will irritate and inflame sensitive Rosacea skin. Avoid anything with soap, salicylic acid and harsh exfoliating cleansers. It is really crucial to cleanse Rosacea skin but you need to use soothing and kind treatments, preferably ones which nourish and are anti-inflammatory. Now you can raid the larder and fridge! Green tea compresses cold teabags, a homemade honey and oatmeal mask, all items you will find in your cupboards. What about a cocktail of essential oils, chamomile, lavender and rose, fragrant and restorative. Only put on your face what you can identify and if you made it yourself, then you know the ingredients. Finally, try and avoid smoking, alcohol and stress, all of which damage any skin and will worsen your Rosacea.

Salon treatments

A good beauty spa is the icing on the cake for your everyday routine with deep cleansing facials and soothing massages. Offering access to equipment such as facial steamers you may not have at home, luxuriate in a pamper session which will not only boost your skin but your morale as well. The therapist can also help you develop good makeup skills using concealer and foundation for your specific Rosacea troubles, to camouflage and enhance. Work with your skin to create a flawless and stunning result for a special occasion and acquire makeup artist tricks of the trade.

Appropriate cosmetics

In the privacy of your bedroom, you may be happy to treat your skin and leave it au naturale. But when you are out on a date or going to work, you are bound to want to hide the Rosacea and disguise blemishes and flaws. Rosacea victims are ahead of you: check out this website for best buys and tons of top tips.

Natural treatment for Rosacea

Implement sensible life choices. Natural treatment for Rosacea is about proactive choices for your skin and critically, the things you reject. Be warned, Rosacea can get worse. If your homecare routine is not cutting it then seek expert help to assist in regaining control.
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Natural treatment for Rosacea can be supplemented with occasional support from skin specialists. Adjust your outlook, it’s not about removing Rosacea but learning to live with it and loving the skin you’re in.

Learn to love your rosy cheeks!

Rosacea has an epic history. According to the National Rosacea Society, Rosacea first showed up in the fourteenth century. Named after his colour rather than its identifier, a French doctor called Guy de Chauliac, he referred to it as ‘goutterose’ which literally means ‘drop of pink’. It is mentioned by some luminaries as Chaucer and Shakespeare and there are some who maintain the theory that the 1659 self-portrait of Rembrandt depicts this famous artist with both Rosacea and Rhinophyma. You are in good company – learn to love your rosiness.

What are the symptoms consistent with Rosacea skin?

Something of a bucket label, Rosacea does feature defined symptoms including general persistent flushing so more than just an embarrassed glow or transient blush. Eyes may become bloodshot and watery, blood vessels become visible and some sufferers experience small round hard lumps under the skin filled with pus.
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The nose may become bulbous and swollen. Those with Rosacea skin may not demonstrate all of these and the severity fluctuates. If left untreated, Rosacea will worsen and may become chronic.

What are the causes of this skin disease?

Sadly, there is no easy point the finger at cause for Rosacea just some contributory factors plus a smattering of genetic propensity. Certainly, if you are pale skinned you are more likely to develop Rosacea and this increases if you have a family member already suffering with it. Structural abnormalities in the blood vessels in the face provide a mechanical trigger although what instigates the inflammatory process remains unclear. Mites are relevant, yes really. It is noticeable that patients with Rosacea exhibit a higher than normal skin mite, Demodex Folliculorum but as with the chicken and egg conundrum, medics cannot agree on which came first so it still remains unclear whether these microscopic visitors are a cause or a symptom. Lastly, there are bacteria present in the human gut called H. Pylori and these impact on blood vessel dilation. Some scientists are convinced that they are causative in the development of Rosacea.

Are there certain skin types prone to Rosacea?

It is probably a fair (pun intended) generalisation to say that white, fair-skinned people are more disposed towards Rosacea than those with darker complexions. And this is not just because veins and redness are more easily visible. It rather begs the question though, is Rosacea also a condition seen in black skin so Indian or West African? Yes, it is although it is less common than in a Caucasian individual of northern European origin. Red becomes violet or purple and although it may be less obvious on a darker skin tone, if left untreated it can cause hyperpigmentation, where the affected skin actually becomes even darker.
Let’s take a look at the specific areas which can be affected by Rosacea.

What does Rosacea around the eyes look like?

This is called ocular Rosacea and it produced red, irritated eyes with some localised swelling. It may look as if the person has been crying or they suffer from hay fever. Because of the sensitive and delicate nature of the eye and the surrounding skin, Rosacea around the eyes is treated with a type of steroid eye drop called Blephamide. These are not for continuous use but to control acute episodes.

What are the remedies prescribed for Rosacea on the face?

This can range from flushing on the cheeks to overall coverage consistent with a bad sunburn. Rosacea on the face is, therefore, both uncomfortable and distressing and can create real psychological trauma for the victim who may be too self-conscious to even venture outside. A dermatologist will recommend a combination of oral anti-inflammatory medication which works systemically and quickly combined with topical antibiotic based applications and camouflage face cream.
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Cleansing the face is really important especially if you have pustules but products should be gentle and soothing rather than astringent. The best face wash is mild, chemical, soap and fragrance-free. Good skin care is imperative but it is important to use the right brands. There are ranges available specifically aimed at Rosacea. Check out Rosacea.net which is a site developed by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Rosacea on the chest

Facial Rosacea can spread down the neck to the chest and upper back. The treatment is much the same as for the face but it is clearly easier to hide any outbreaks under clothing. Laser treatment is available for larger expanses such as Rosacea on the chest and visible blood vessels can be significantly diminished with this form of therapy.

Rosacea on the nose can be a particular problem

The nose is particularly vulnerable to thickening of the skin in severe cases of this disease. Rosacea on the nose can create an enlarged, bulging, distended conk which, joking apart, is just as upsetting if not more so than a red face. This condition has its own specific name, Rhinophyma. Statistically, it seems to affect men more than women. In very acute cases, the nose can be remodelled by a plastic surgeon or laser surgery is another option to reduce the level of tissue.

Rosacea on the arms and legs

It is less common to experience Rosacea on the torso or limbs although not unheard of. Options for treatment are no different from those for the face.
There is lots of information online about managing Rosacea via blogs and forums and peer-reviewed sites. It is a condition which responds well to self-help with medical intervention as and when needed. Whilst the specific cause is not yet identified, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence on a wide assortment of triggers such as alcohol, stress, excessively hot baths, certain dietary elements such as dairy, caffeine and spicy foods.
It is also advisable to avoid chilling winter winds, in fact, any extreme of temperatures but particularly exposing the face to fierce heat or an icy blast. There are some fabulous cosmetic lines devised to cover high colour and disguise redness and blemishes whilst also being kind to skin and breathable as well. Watch this great beauty therapist lesson on YouTube.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is pronounced, ‘Rose’ followed by ‘Asia’. Sounds rather like some kind of rose-based face treatment or luxurious consumable derived from the plant. In fact, what Rosacea is, is an unpleasant skin condition largely affecting the face and neck and more rarely, extending to other areas of the body.

What are the main symptoms and signs of Rosacea?

Rosacea is not a continuous affliction, it waxes and wanes ranging in intensity from mild to moderate. Rosacea symptoms generally concern the face. The skin readily flushes and blushes with the reddening remaining rather than fading. This is termed erythema. The facial skin can burn or sting in response to the application of topical products.
[RELATED]
Blood vessels and thread veins become pronounced and defined and pus-filled spots appear. The skin may become thickened particularly around the nasal area. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms of Rosacea. Rosacea blights all skin textures and types from dry to oily leading the skin to become dehydrated and inflamed. Raised patches named called plaques may develop.

What are the psychological effects of Rosacea?

The impact of Rosacea is pretty immense; anything affecting our faces in an adverse or negative manner will cause social stress, anxiety upsetting our emotional health. Clinicians focus on the physical manifestation of the disease inadvertently failing to address the mental health burden that this alteration in appearance can engender. Because Rosacea is a chronic malady, the psychiatric element of this disorder should be tackled as vigorously as practical treatment steps and prescribed medications which accompany the diagnosis. Changing faces is a fantastic UK site and can change your life if you are wilting under the burden of an altered image. There is a wealth of constructive advice, a complete treasure trove of information ranging from guidance produced by specially trained skin camouflage specialists to expert articles and recommendations, plus a network of relevant support who understand what you are going through.

What are the main causes of Rosacea?

Because Rosacea is not life-threatening and not as potentially life-changing as Psoriasis or Eczema, it has lacked attention as a priority amongst scientific researchers. Additionally, it can be fairly effectively controlled and so it remains a bit of a mystery as to the actual specific causation.
[RELATED]
What is well documented are the predisposing triggers of gender, ethnicity, genetic traits and environment, even alcohol and spicy foods. But this is a far cry from being able to definitively claim the identification of what causes Rosacea. It is not contagious. It is also understood that antibiotics can improve the condition so there is a school of thought which supports the view that bacteria either on the skin or in the gut plays a role.

Which famous people have Rosacea?

Take a read through the National Rosacea Society’s ‘Red Carpet Red Face’ blog which reveals some famous names such as the singer, Sam Smith and television celebrity, Lisa Faulkner.

What is the most effective treatment for Rosacea?

Diagnosis is essential before a treatment programme for Rosacea can be discussed with your healthcare professional.
Because Rosacea can wax and wane, it is vital to have your doctor on board and part of the story as there may be occasions when you need to be prescribed medication to cope with an outbreak or referral to a clinical dermatologist.

How is it best to treat Rosacea on a daily basis?

As with acne, it is imperative to keep the skin clean and moisturised but avoid the usage of harsh chemicals and over-fragranced products. Deep cleansing and moisturising need to be done with products appropriately selected for Rosacea so no soap. It is also vitally important to protect the skin from over exposure to the sun’s rays so moisturising creams and gels should contain high levels of protection.
[RELATED]
A quick Google will list pages of topical items specifically designed for Rosacea sufferers and, don’t worry, just because they are natural treatment, they don’t all smell of coal tar! Keep some anti-bacterial foaming washes and spot creams in your cupboard, these can easily be purchased as over the counter treatments.
In addition, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following remedies:
Oral antibiotics – these assist in the management of acute inflammation, popular choices are oxytetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline.
Specific scalp treatment – again this may be by mouth as it is harder to apply topical creams to the head because of the hair.
Laser treatment – quite a revolution in the management of Rosacea, using light therapy to reduce and dry up prominent blood vessels so they fade away over time. Laser offers a very low risk of damage to surrounding healthy skin tissue but it is not suitable for all types of Rosacea.
In conclusion, the best treatment when it comes to how to treat Rosacea is a package of good every day and informed skincare, prescribed topical treatment as and when required with ongoing consultant input when appropriate.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face. It begins with tendency to flush or blush. Redness, tiny pimples and visible blood vessels are its other common signs. Although the condition is very common, its cause is not known. Treatments are however available to manage its symptoms. Keep reading to learn the types, causes, symptoms and treatments.